I grew up in a country setting; my grandmother had a dairy farm. I can remember spending long summer days there, helping her weed the garden, water fights at the milk barn, feeding the bottle calves, picking cherries and pears from her orchard, riding in the tractor with my dad and playing in the creek under the bridge. The farm was my favorite place to be. I am so glad that, even though we live in town right now, and my grandma’s farm was sold a long time ago, my boys still get the chance to play on a farm. They love going to Grandma and Papa’s house. Sylas especially loves to stay overnight. They love helping chore in the garden – although their help can be a hindrance at their age – and they love to feed the chickens and collect the eggs. Tractor rides and mowing with Papa are some of their favorite things. Sylas has really enjoyed seeing the fruits of his labor this harvest season, too. His little pumpkin patch fared well and he was so excited to pick his very own pumpkins.

It’s so cliche, but its true, farming builds character. It teaches them to help one another and builds teamwork. It teaches them respect; respect for elders, respect for animals and their respect for God. It teaches them humility and humbleness. It teaches them to be kind.

I loved growing up the way that I did and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I can only hope that someday my kids will feel the same.

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